Details

• Finland
• MAFW&RW-13
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

Tips for the application process: The application process at WU is generally well structured and transparent. At the time of my application, the most relevant criteria were the exam results from the two subjects of the entrance examination. If you intend to complete a full semester abroad, I would strongly recommend prioritizing the partner universities suggested by WU for the MAFW & RW program. While it is possible to obtain a place outside of this list, friends who did so were often only able to have two to three courses recognized (if any at all). For any additional questions, the International Office is definitely a very reliable and helpful point of contact. Tips for preparing the semester abroad: With regard to course selection, I would recommend familiarizing yourself early with the course offerings at Aalto University and the corresponding credit recognition options at WU. Depending on your academic preferences, careful planning is required to ensure that all three specializations at WU can be completed without scheduling conflicts between courses at Aalto University. In terms of general preparation, it is advisable to pack warm clothing for everyday life. In my opinion, it is not strictly necessary to bring ski equipment for Lapland, as this can easily be rented there for a week. I personally did not need ski gear in Helsinki either (although we experienced a relatively mild winter). I would also recommend taking out supplementary travel insurance. Friends who did not, encountered difficulties using the European Health Insurance Card, as many medical practices refused treatment. All other practical matters (such as the student transport ticket) are explained during the Welcome Day event and do not necessarily need to be arranged in advance.

2. Accommodation

I lived in a shared apartment provided by HOAS. HOAS offers affordable housing for students, with rental prices varying depending on the location and size. Students can apply for these apartments (observe the application deadlines). The application process itself is straightforward and usually runs smoothly and most applicants are eventually offered an apartment. Nevertheless, I would strongly recommend having a backup plan. Applicants do not receive a formal rejection, instead, in some cases there is simply no response at all. Additionally some HOAS apartments are located relatively far from the city center. My apartment, for example, was located in the eastern Espoo, one of the more remote locations. Although the commute to the university was quick and convenient via the metro, traveling to Helsinki city center took around 30 minutes. Especially at night, the location could be somewhat inconvenient, as buses and the metro operate only until approximately 2:30 a.m., after which the only option was to take an Uber. That said, the area itself is very safe, as is generally the case throughout Helsinki. With some luck, it is also possible to be assigned a more centrally located HOAS apartment as many of my friends were A commonly used alternative is NOLI, which is located directly on campus. This option has more of a hotel-like character and costs around EUR 1,000 per month, depending on room size.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus of Aalto University is very large and I really liked it. As Aalto University is the result of a merger of three universities, campus life is very diverse and multifaceted. The metro station is located directly beneath the School of Business, which makes the campus very easy to access. There are numerous clubs and student initiatives in which students can participate. Overall, the campus offers everything one might need, including a hairdresser, pharmacy, supermarket, restaurants and a campus gym. In addition, there are many different student cafeterias on campus, where a good meal can be purchased for EUR 2.95 and some of these cafeterias are even open in the evening. The teaching style is generally similar to that at WU Vienna, consisting mainly of lectures that are sometimes supplemented by guest lectures. In contrast to WU Vienna, however, lecture sessions at Aalto University usually last 90 minutes and are sometimes held twice per week. The assessment structure differs more noticeably. In most courses, around 50% of the final grade is based on assignments, which are predominantly completed as group work. In these cases, students were usually free to choose their own groups. The assignments are very application-oriented, for example the preparation of an equity research report or the development of an LBO model based on a case study. I personally appreciated this practical focus, as it allows students to gain valuable, transferable skills. The remaining portion of the grade typically consists of a final written exam. Exams are usually scheduled for three hours, which is generally more than sufficient. Overall, the grading system is fair and transparent.

5. Every day life in the host country

Life in Helsinki can be very diverse and offers a wide range of opportunities. Students who are interested in sports can work out at the university gym for approximately EUR 25 per month or participate in various university sports clubs. Beyond sports, there are especially many events at the beginning of the semester that are organized by the university and provide excellent opportunities to socialize and make new friends. In addition, KY Sub, an association for business students at Aalto University, organizes two to three events per week, which students can attend at a relatively low cost. Furthermore, the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) offers additional events specifically targeted at exchange students. Another very common and culturally significant leisure activity in Finland is going to the sauna. Over time, I developed a strong appreciation for this tradition, and sauna facilities are widely available. Even HOAS apartments often have their own saunas. There are also many opportunities to travel outside Helsinki and within or beyond Finland. For example, KY Sub organizes trips to Tallinn and Lapland, as well as a cottage trip. Participation in these trips is highly recommended, as they offer very memorable experiences at a reasonable price. However, it should be noted that these trips are more characterized by nature and picturesque small towns than by the vibrant metropolitan atmosphere of major cities. Finally, it is useful to know that public transportation tickets typically cost between EUR 40 and EUR 60 per month, depending on one’s place of residence. Helsinki is also an extremely safe city. Throughout my entire semester abroad, I never encountered an uncomfortable situation, nor did I hear of any such experiences from friends or fellow students.

6. Testimonial

Overall, I had a very positive and enriching experience during my semester abroad. Aalto University offers excellent opportunities to learn new concepts and to deepen academic knowledge in a practical and application-oriented way. Campus life is diverse and dynamic, and while it can sometimes be challenging to build close connections with local students, the exchange among Erasmus students is exceptionally strong. I was able to meet people from all over the world who became an essential part of my exchange experience. Although Helsinki is not a large metropolitan city, there is still plenty to explore and experience. Short trips to destinations outside Helsinki complemented my stay perfectly. That said, prospective students should be aware that daylight hours in Helsinki and Finland—especially during winter—are limited, and many days tend to be grey and rainy. However, if one is comfortable with these conditions, an exchange at Aalto University is an outstanding experience that offers significant personal and academic benefits